men accused of soliciting children
men trying to solicit children.
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The Union County Sheriff’s Office has reported the arrest of two men for allegedly attempting to solicit sex from children online.
According to the sheriff’s office, the men were apprehended in separate investigations. Detectives discovered that they were using “various online social media and web-based platforms” to actively solicit underage children for sexual acts.
The individuals in question have been identified as 25-year-old Matthew Oakes from Monroe and 28-year-old Nasario Espinoza from Charlotte.
Oakes was confirmed to have been a substitute teacher who had previously worked with Union County Public Schools. However, he was removed from the approved substitutes list as of May 30.
It was also revealed that Oakes had previously served as a youth director at Centerview Church in Monroe.
Pastor Greg Couts of Centerview Church expressed shock and disappointment at the news, stating, “We are shocked and disappointed by these turn of events. Shocked at the nature and severity of the charge, and disappointed that one of our leaders could potentially be involved in such heinous activity.”
Couts mentioned that the church had urged parents to speak with their children about the matter, and thankfully, no reports of victimization by Oakes were received.
Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey commended the efforts of his team, saying, “The hardworking men and women of this agency have identified and apprehended dangerous men who thought the crimes they committed in the dark would never come to light.”
Both suspects have posted bond and are no longer in custody, according to the sheriff’s office. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the cases.
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1. Men accused solicit sex children Union County sheriff
2. Two men accused trying solicit sex from children Union County sheriff.
